7 Unforgettable Winter Activities for Houston Families

With the days slowly turning from sunny and warm to grim and gray, let us change your thoughts from the average Texas winter ahead to a winter wonderland. Pristine snowy landscapes, slopes for skiing, fires to curl up with the family, and one unforgettable place to enjoy it all. Rather than watching the Rockets’ game or marathoning through House of Cards for the third time on Netflix, this is the year to head to the mountains. Up here winters are crisp, the air is clean, and the snowfall is treated with the excitement of childhood. Give it a week, and we have no doubt you’ll create memories to last a lifetime for you and your family.

1. Hit the Slopes

There’s no skiing in Houston, but the most popular run at Crested Butte Mountain Resort is called Houston. It’s a green (easy) run and great for all ability levels. Ride the Red Lady lift up, and enjoy the nice cruiser down.

2. Trailhead Children’s Museum & CBMR Adventure Park

Arts and crafts, puzzles, mini golf, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and other adventurous activities for the kiddos all located at the base of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Grab your pass and start bouncing!

3. Ice Skate the Jorgensen Pond

Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor ice skating, Jorgensen Ice Arena has it. Located right off of Highway 50, skates can be rented on the spot. Take in the fresh air on on the outdoor hockey rink and small pond, or opt for the large indoor rink.

4. Sledding & Tubing

There are no lack of hills or mountains to ride down in the Gunnison Valley. In the town of Gunnison there’s the Green Monster. In Crested Butte you can sled down the nordic hill by the skatepark or even race down CBMR’s Warming House Hill after the lifts close!

5. Dine Out

Enjoy dishes from around the world in Crested Butte. But no need to worry, there are plenty of pizza places too. A local favorite is The Secret Stash Pizza Emporium. The Stash offers unique pies such as the Mac Daddy (think Big Mac) and Spicy Wais (sriracha and jalapenos). And there’s an arcade to boot!

6. Dog Sledding

This is something truly memorable. We’ve got the snow and the dogs willing to take you for a ride. Bring the family and hold on tight!

7. Try Something New

What haven’t you tried? Cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat biking? Gunnison-Crested Butte offers all of these and more. Pick one as a family and let the good times roll.